Eyewear docking station and electronic module

ABSTRACT

An eyewear system including an eyewear frame and an application module. The eyewear frame including a docking station, and an electronic connector including a first set of preconfigured application connection points. The application module adapted to be mounted to the docking station, and including an electronic device configured to perform a function, and a second set of preconfigured application connection points corresponding to at least some of the first set of preconfigured application connection points. The second set of preconfigured application connection points including at least two different sub-function connections used to support the function of the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/975,353, filed on May 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/808,239, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,114,235, filed onJul. 24, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/735,887, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,122,083, which was filed on Jan. 7,2013, and which claims priority to each of the following provisionalpatent applications: U.S. Application No. 61/583,940, filed on Jan. 6,2012; U.S. Application No. 61/622,092, filed on Apr. 10, 2012; U.S.Application No. 61/638,150, filed on Apr. 25, 2012; and U.S. ApplicationNo. 61/640,425, filed on Apr. 30, 2012, the contents of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. U.S.application Ser. No. 11/261,035, filed on Oct. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,778,022, is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Presently, commercial eyewear comprising electronics are limited to oneapplication in addition to the conventional eyeglass lenses housedwithin said eyewear. By way of example only, there are commerciallyavailable electronic focusing eyeglasses, commercially availableeyeglasses with a built in MP3 player, commercially available eyeglasseswith video for occupation purposes, and soon there are expected to becommercially available eyeglasses with a built in camera. However, withthe exception of inventor's patent application Ser. No. 13/085,562, theprior art teaches eyeglasses capable of one or more applications, but inall cases the applications are built into the eyeglasses or, if attachedto the eyeglass frames, do so such that only one application device at atime is available in addition to the standard lenses housed by theeyeglass frames. Inventor's prior patent application Ser. No. 13/085,562teaches the front of eyewear being used as a docking station forapplying a clip on means which can house various application devices.The application devices receive at least some of their electrical powerneeded to drive the application devices. While patent application Ser.No. 13/085,562 teaches a means of applying (one at a time) a pluralityof application devices to eyewear the means of doing so causes thelenses to look thick, adds weight to the front of the eyewear, anddistracts from the aesthetics of the eyewear.

Today there are so many electronic devices each capable of providing anoccupational benefit or personal benefit for the user. These electronicdevices have been in many cases miniaturized. The modern world operatesat a very high pace whereby being able to provide benefits to the userin a hands free manner is very efficient and beneficial. However, if onewants to purchase “fashionable” eyewear capable of being used for aplurality of functions beyond correcting the refractive error of thewearer and/or providing a tinted means to make the wearer's eyes morecomfortable, such eyewear does not exist. Needless to say there is aneed for a single pair of fashionable eyewear capable of a utilizing oneor more of a multitude of different application devices while the weareris wearing the eyewear.

SUMMARY

The present subject matter is directed to electronic eyewear modules andsystems to be worn by a wearer, whereby an electronic eyewear systemwith a docking station can be easily joined with a plurality ofelectronic application modules (also referred to herein as applicationdevices or application modules), preferably in a standardized manner.These application modules can each fit together with the docking stationand may be utilized one or more at a time while the eyewear is beingworn by a wearer. The modularity may also provide a user with a varietyof interchangeable applications, each of which may be recognized by theeyewear system. In the event that electronic application modules break,they can also be easily replaced without replacing the entire system.

The invention disclosed herein allows for the eyewear to remainfashionable and does not distract from the cosmetic design of theeyewear. Furthermore the invention disclosed herein provides additionalweight of one or more application devices to be distributed in acomfortable manner when worn by the wearer.

According to first aspects of the invention, an application module isprovided that is adapted to be mounted to an eyewear docking station.The application module may include one or more of an electronic deviceconfigured to perform a function; an attachment mechanism configured tosecure the application module to the docking station in a substantiallyfixed position; and/or a plurality of preconfigured applicationconnection points. In embodiments, the plurality of preconfiguredapplication connection points may include at least two differentsub-function connections used to support the function of the electronicdevice.

In embodiments, the application connection points may be configured toattach to a universal connector cable. In embodiments, the applicationconnection points may be configured to connect directly to correspondingapplication connection points of an eyewear frame.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may include atleast two of power supply, audio out, audio in, audio ground, video out,and video in. In embodiments, the different sub-function connections mayfurther include data output, data input, control signal output, and/orcontrol signal input.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may preferablyinclude a power supply, an audio out, and control input.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may preferablyinclude a data input and a control signal output. In embodiments, thedata input may include sensor data, and the application module may beconfigured to control a lens function of the eyewear via the controlsignal output based on the data input.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may preferablyinclude a power supply configured for the application module to receiveat least one of operating power and recharging power from the eyewear.

In embodiments, the function of the electronic device may include atleast one of audio playback, audio recording, acoustic amplification,acoustic canceling, hearing aid, video playback, video recording,photography, fall detection, alertness monitoring, pedometer,geo-location, pulse detector, wireless communication (e.g. cellularphone, Bluetooth, WiFi, IR, etc.), virtual reality, augmented reality,gaming, eye tracking, pupil monitoring, lens control, automatedreminder, visible and/or non-visible lighting, lasing, IR and/or thermaldetection, and alarm, any of which may be provided to a user via theeyewear.

In embodiments, the electronic device is configured to provide at leastone of virtual reality and augmented reality to a user via the eyewear.

In embodiments, each application module may include its own circuitryand logic sufficient to control the function of the application module,and/or to control function of a device included within the eyewearframe.

In embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include one or more ofpins, detents, rails, magnets, sockets, or other means known in the artfor joining small components together, preferably in a releasablemanner.

In embodiments, the application module may be configured to provide arecognizable signal, and/or may include a recognizable feature, suchthat the eyewear can determine the function of the application module, atype of the application module, and/or variable capabilities of theapplication module.

In embodiments, the application module may be substantially waterresistant, sweat resistant, water proof, and/or wear resistant.

According to further aspects of the invention, an eyewear system may beprovided including an eyewear frame with a docking station, and anapplication module adapted to be mounted to the docking station. Inembodiments, the eyewear frame may include an electronic connectorincluding a first set of preconfigured application connection points,and the application module may include an electronic device configuredto perform a function and a second set of preconfigured applicationconnection points corresponding to at least some of the first set ofpreconfigured application connection points. In embodiments, the secondset of preconfigured application connection points may include at leasttwo different sub-function connections used to support the function ofthe electronic device.

In embodiments, the application connection points may be configured toattach to a universal connector cable. In embodiments, the eyewearsystem may further include the universal connector cable. Inembodiments, the eyewear frame may be configured to connect to theuniversal connector cable, and for connecting the application connectionpoints to the universal connector cable.

In embodiments, the application connection points of the applicationmodule may be configured to connect directly to correspondingapplication connection points of the eyewear frame.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may include atleast two of power supply, audio out, audio in, audio ground, video out,and video in. In embodiments, the different sub-function connections mayfurther include data output, data input, control signal output, and/orcontrol signal input.

In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may preferablyinclude a power supply configured for the application module to receiveat least one of operating power and recharging power from the eyewearframe.

In embodiments, the function of the electronic device may include atleast one of audio playback, audio recording, acoustic amplification,acoustic canceling, hearing aid, video playback, video recording,photography, fall detection, alertness monitoring, pedometer,geo-location, pulse detector, wireless communication, virtual reality,augmented reality, gaming, eye tracking, pupil monitoring, lens control,automated reminder, lighting, lasing, and alarm.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame may include a lens, and the electronicdevice may be configured to at least partially control said lens. Forexample, the lens may be an electro-active lens and the electronicdevice may be configured to control a focus, tint or other change of thelens based on sensed conditions (such as lighting) and/or user commands.In other embodiments, the lens may have built in display functions thatcan be controlled by the electronic device, such as with virtual oraugmented reality, or gaming.

In embodiments, the eyewear lens may be one of a dynamic focusing lens,static focusing lens, tinted lens, photochromic lens, electrochromiclens, thermochromic lens, or display.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame may include a speaker, and theelectronic device may be configured to provide an audio signal to thespeaker.

In embodiments where the eyewear frame includes at least one of aspeaker and a lens, the electronic device may be configured to provideat least one of virtual reality and augmented reality to a user via thespeaker and/or lens.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame may include one or more of removableor fixed storage media, a communication device, a power source, amicrophone, a bone-phone, a microprocessor,

In embodiments wherein the eyewear frame includes a power source, thepower source may be, for example, a rechargeable battery, disposablebattery, fuel cell, solar cell, or kinetic energy source.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame may be configured to determine one ormore of the function of the application module, a type of theapplication module, and/or variable capabilities of the applicationmodule based on a recognizable signal from, or other characteristic of,the application module.

In embodiments, the docking station and/or application module may beconfigured to convert the application module from a non-functioningapplication module into that of a functioning application module uponbeing docked to said docking station.

According to further aspects of the invention, an electronic eyewearsystem to be worn by a wearer is provided, whereby said electroniceyewear system comprises a means of securing said eyewear to the head ofa wearer, an eyewear front, a docking station which is part of saideyewear, a plurality of application device modules which each can fitinto said docking station one at a time and whereby the docking stationprovides for enabling the routing of electrical power to the applicationdevice module.

In embodiments, the application device modules devices may be utilizedmore than one at a time while the eyewear is being worn by a wearer.

Embodiments may further include a controller configured to be connectedto the application device modules.

Embodiments may further include a multi-function connector configured toconnect to the application device modules, and to provide at least twofunctions to the application device modules via said controller.

In embodiments, the application device modules may include at least onecamera and at least one microphone.

In embodiments, the application device modules may include at least twocameras configured to be mounted for stereoscopic imaging.

In embodiments, the application device modules may include at least twohearing aids configured to be mounted in proximity to opposite ears ofthe wearer.

The application device modules may include one or more of still photocamera, video camera, digital audio player, display, projector, hearingaid, fall detector, alertness monitor, pedometer, pulse detector, cellphone, audio system, communication system, video system, music system,audio system, CO2 detector, poor air quality alert device, bad breathdetector, thermometer, refractive error measurement device, GPS system,virtual reality system, augmented reality system, gaming system, eyetracking device, pupil monitor device, sensor, smoke detector, pillreminder, medication reminder, speaker, light, laser.

In some embodiments, the eyewear system can include an intermediateelectrical contact. A functional member of the eyewear (e.g. activelens, speaker, sensor, microprocessor, or other device located in theeyewear frame) can include an electrical connector, and the intermediateelectrical contact can connect the electronics of the application moduleto the functional member. The intermediate electrical contact can be aplug-and-receptacle electrical contact. In some embodiments, theintermediate electrical contact is located at one of: a rim of theeyewear, the rear ⅓ of the temple, the middle of the temple, the forward⅓ of the temple, the rim lock or hinge, of the eyewear, a surface of theoptical functional member, a frame front of the eyewear, an electronicdisplay, an electronic controller, and between the rim and the lens ofthe eyewear.

In some embodiments, the eyewear frame can include a temple and arimlock. In those embodiments, the functional member of the eyewear canbe located in the temple, and a connective element can be routed fromthe application module through the rimlock to the optical functionalmember. In some embodiments, the rimlock includes an upper rimlock and alower rimlock, and the connective element is routed between the upperrimlock and the lower rimlock. The rimlock can include upper rimlock anda lower rimlock, and the connective element can form a layer between theupper rimlock and the lower rimlock. The layer can be insulating. Insome embodiments, the connective element can be a conductivecompressible member that can be conductive rubber. In some embodiments,the connective element comprises a multi-conductor cable.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention claimed. The detaileddescription and the specific examples, however, indicate only preferredembodiments of the invention. Various changes and modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the detailed description serve to explain the principlesof the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of theinvention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the invention and various ways in which it may bepracticed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application module in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a portion of an exemplary eyewear frame temple,including a docking station and connection points in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a portion of an exemplary eyewear frame temple, suchas shown in FIG. 2A, including a docked application module in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of an exemplary frame including earbuds anddocked application modules connected to connection points of the framein accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docking station inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docking station andexposed connection points in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a frame including an earbud and a dockedapplication module connected to connection points of the frame using auniversal connector in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docking station inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a frame including an earbud and a dockedapplication module connected to connection points of the frame using auniversal connector in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docking stationtrack in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docking stationtrack in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docked applicationmodule and a removable functional member in accordance with an aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of a frame including a docked applicationmodule camera connected to connection points of the frame using auniversal connector in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a top-down view of an exemplary frame including a dockedapplication module that is connected to connection points on one side ofthe frame, and in communication with electronics on an opposite side ofthe frame, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electronics module including awireless transceiver in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of portions of an eyewear system inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particularmethodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these may vary as theskilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. It also is to be noted that as used herein and in theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include theplural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, a reference to “a module” is a reference to one or moremodules and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the samemeanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich the invention pertains. The embodiments of the invention and thevarious features and advantageous details thereof are explained morefully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples thatare described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddetailed in the following description. It should be noted that thefeatures illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments asthe skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly statedherein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniquesmay be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of theinvention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate anunderstanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and tofurther enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments ofthe invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which isdefined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, itis noted that like reference numerals reference similar parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

Some terms that are used herein are described in further detail asfollows:

As used herein, the term “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10percent, inclusive. Thus, the phrase “approximately 10 mm” may beunderstood to mean from 9 mm to 11 mm, inclusive. As used herein, theterm “substantially” may refer to plus or minus a percent that isrecognized as within manufacturing tolerances or other unintended orinconsequential variations.

As used herein, the term “comprising” is not intended to be limiting,but may be a transitional term synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by.” The term “comprising” may therebybe inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps when used in a claim or to describe anembodiment. For instance, in describing a method, “comprising” indicatesthat the claim is open-ended and allows for additional steps. Indescribing a device, “comprising” may mean that a named element(s) maybe essential for an embodiment, but other elements may be added andstill form a construct within the scope of a claim. In contrast, thetransitional phrase “consisting of excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in a claim. This is consistent with the use ofthe term throughout the specification.

As used herein, a “conductive path” refers to a continuous path forwhich electrons (i.e. current) may flow from one point to another. Theconductive path may comprise one component, or more than one component.For instance, a conductive path may comprise portions of a lens housing,a temple, a hinge, a lens, and/or conductive material disposed between(or within) some or all of the components.

As used herein, “coupled” may refer to any manner of connecting twocomponents together in any suitable manner, such as by way of exampleonly: attaching (e.g. attached to a surface), disposing on, disposingwithin, disposing substantially within, embedding within, embeddedsubstantially within, etc. “Coupled” may further comprise fixedlyattaching two components (such as by using a screw, an adhesive, orembedding a first component into a second component during amanufacturing process), but does not so require. Two components may becoupled temporarily simply by being in physical contact with oneanother. Two components are “electrically coupled” or “electricallyconnected” if current can flow from one component to another. That is,the two components do not have to be in direct contact such that currentflows from the one component directly to the other component. There maybe any number of other conductive materials and components disposedelectrically between two components “electrically coupled” so long ascurrent can flow there between.

As used herein, a “dynamic lens” may refer to a lens with an opticalpower which is alterable with the application of electrical energy,mechanical energy or force. Either the entire lens may have an alterableoptical power, or only a portion, region or zone of the lens may have analterable optical power. The optical power of such a lens is dynamic ortunable such that the optical power can be switched between two or moreoptical powers. The switching may comprise a discrete change from oneoptical power to another (such as going from an “off” or inactive stateto an “on” or active state) or it may comprise continuous change from afirst optical power to a second optical power, such as by varying theamount of electrical energy to a dynamic element (e.g. tunable). One ofthe optical powers may be that of substantially no optical power. Adynamic lens may also be referred to as a dynamic optic, a dynamicoptical element, a dynamic optical zone, dynamic power zone, or adynamic optical region.

As used herein, an “eyewear frame” is intended to generally refer to acomplete wearable housing that secures at least one element in alocation relative to the wearer's eyes when being worn such that thewearer can see, or see through, the element. The eyewear frame maycomprise elements such as a first and second temple, a lens housing thatis configured to support a lenses, one or more hinges, and any otherrelated component. On the other hand, a “spectacle frame” may refer to acomplete wearable housing that secures spectacle lenses and aligns themin the proper place relative to the wearer's eyes when being worn. Theframe may comprise elements such as a first and second temple, a lenshousing that is configured to support the spectacle lenses, one or morehinges, and any other related component.

As used herein, a “lens” may refer to any device or portion of a devicethat causes light to converge or diverge. The device may be static ordynamic. A lens may be refractive or diffractive. A lens may be concave,convex or plano on one or both surfaces. A lens may be spherical,cylindrical, prismatic or a combination thereof. A lens may be made ofoptical glass, plastic or resin. A lens may also be referred to as anoptical element, an optical zone, an optical region, an optical powerregion or an optic. It should be noted that within the optical industrya lens can be referred to as a lens even if it has zero optical power.Moreover, a lens may refer to both intra-ocular and extra-ocularcomponents.

As used herein, a “lens housing” may refer to a part of the frame thatis configured or adapted to support or hold the first and the secondlenses in place (preferably firmly in place). The lens housing may alsocomprise the part of the frame to which the temples attach. The lenshousing may comprise any component or material adapted to support thelenses, including, for example, screws, nylon monofilament, eye-wire,etc. or any combination thereof. The lens housing may comprise anymaterial, including metal or plastic. A lens housing may be included inany type of frame design, including fully rimmed, semi-rimless, andrimless. In some embodiments, the lens housing may also include thebridge, such as when the lens housing comprising a single component ortwo components that support both the first and the second lens.

As used herein, a “multi-focal lens” may refer to a lens having morethan one focal point or optical power. Such lenses may be static ordynamic. Examples of static multifocal lenses include a bifocal lens,trifocal lens or a Progressive Addition Lens. Examples of dynamicmultifocal lenses include electro-active lenses whereby various opticalpowers may be created in the lens depending on the types of electrodesused, voltages applied to the electrodes and index of refraction alteredwithin a thin layer of liquid crystal. Multifocal lenses may also be acombination of static and dynamic. For example, an electro-activeelement may be used in optical communication with a static sphericallens, static single vision lens, and static multifocal lens such as, byway of example only, a Progressive Addition Lens.

As used herein, an “ophthalmic lens” may refer to a lens suitable forvision correction, which may include a spectacle lens, a contact lens,an intra-ocular lens, a corneal in-lay, and a corneal on-lay.

As used herein, a “substrate” is a component that is generallywell-known in the field of optics. A substrate typically refers to thecomponent of a lens that is first fabricated or provided, and on whichadditional layers or materials may be deposited. A substrate may havedimensions on the order of millimeters or fractions of millimeters,whereas coatings and other deposited layers on the substrate typicallyhave dimensions (i.e. thicknesses) that are on the order of microns.Examples of substrates may include, for example, lens blanks,semi-finished lens-blanks, or lens wafers.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary applicationmodule in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Inparticular, application module 100 is adapted to be mounted to aneyewear docking station, examples of which are described further below.In the example shown in FIG. 1, the application module 100 includesdocking pins 160 that are configured to plug into corresponding socketsin an eyewear frame (not shown). In embodiments, application module 100may also be sized to fit within a recess in an eyewear frame, though itcan also be attached external to the eyewear frame.

Application module 100 may include one or more electronic device(s)configured to perform one or more functions such as, for example, ofaudio playback, audio recording, acoustic amplification, acousticcanceling, hearing aid, video playback, video recording, photography,fall detection, alertness monitoring, pedometer, geo-location, pulsedetector, wireless communication (e.g. cellular phone, Bluetooth, WiFi,IR, etc.), virtual reality, augmented reality, gaming, eye tracking,pupil monitoring, lens control, automated reminder, visible and/ornon-visible lighting, lasing, IR and/or thermal detection, and alarm,any of which may be provided to a user via the eyewear. One advantage ofthe present subject matter is that, as discussed further below, avariety of functional modules may be interchanged with an eyewear systemusing a “universal docking station,” which includes a plurality ofstandardized connection points, e.g. power, audio, video etc. Inembodiments, the audio and/or video may be analog connections. Thus, themodules can be relatively small, lightweight, with reduced processingcapability than might otherwise be required, e.g. if the connection onlyallowed for digital data transmission. In embodiments, the connectionsmay further include data output, data input, control signal output,and/or control signal input. Each application module may include its owncircuitry and logic sufficient to control the function of theapplication module, and/or to control function of a device includedwithin the eyewear frame.

In preferred embodiments, the electronic device is configured to controlan aspect of an electronic lens, and/or provide at least one of virtualreality and augmented reality to a user via the eyewear.

Returning to FIG. 1, it should be noted that the attachment mechanismincluding the fixed pins can take many forms, e.g. one or more of pins,detents, rails, magnets, sockets, or other means known in the art forjoining small components together, preferably in a releasable manner.These can be configured to secure the application module to a dockingstation in a relatively fixed position.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the application module 100 includes a pluralityof preconfigured application connection points, also referred to assub-function connections, in this case power connections 110, audioconnections 120, audio ground 130, microphone ground 140, and video 150.In embodiments, the different sub-function connections may include atleast two of power supply, audio out, audio in, audio ground, video out,and video in. In embodiments, the different sub-function connections mayfurther include data output, data input, control signal output, and/orcontrol signal input.

The examples shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary, as a variety of suchconnection points are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.Indeed, it is expected that various application modules will use only asubset of the preconfigured application points which are supported bythe eyewear frame. This is intended to, for example, improve with theease of modularity related to the design. The actual preconfiguredapplication connection points included in a particular applicationmodule may include different sub-function connections used to supportthe function of the electronic device. For example, if the deviceincluded in the module is intended to function as a hearing aid, it maytypically include a power connection, an audio out connection, and anaudio in connection, and may include one or more data/commandconnections to provide, for example, additional processing support orfunctionality. Some non-limiting, but preferable, examples ofpre-configured sub-function connections may include a power supply, anaudio out, and control input; a data input and a control signal output;a power supply configured for the application module to receive at leastone of operating power and recharging power from the eyewear. Inembodiments, the data input may include sensor data, and the applicationmodule may be configured to control a lens function of the eyewear viathe control signal output based on the data input.

It should be appreciated that, as discussed further below, theapplication connection points may be configured to attach to a universalconnector cable and/or to connect directly to corresponding applicationconnection points of an eyewear frame.

The application module 100 may be configured to provide a recognizablesignal, e.g. though a data, or other, connection point, and/or mayinclude a recognizable feature (e.g. a variable number/pattern ofdocking pins, such that the eyewear can determine the intended functionof the application module, a type of the application module, and/orvariable capabilities of the application module. For example, theeyewear connection points can register circuits, or output, related toany of the pre-configured connection points

In embodiments, the application module 100 may be substantially waterresistant, sweat resistant, water proof, and/or wear resistant. Forexample, the casing of the application module 100 may be water proof,and each of the connection points may be sealed, individually orcollectively, in a manner to make them water resistant, sweat resistant,water proof, and/or wear resistant. The application module 100 may alsobe configured to be substantially water resistant, sweat resistant,water proof, and/or wear resistant when mounted to the docking station,eyewear frame and/or a universal connector. For example, the applicationmodule 100 may include a gasket or other sealing mechanism around thepreconfigured application connection points such that when theapplication module 100 is mounted to the docking station, eyewear frameand/or a universal connector, the application connection points aresubstantially water resistant or water proof.

Additional details regarding possible mounting arrangements for theapplication module 100 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustratesa portion of an exemplary eyewear frame temple 101, including a dockingstation and connection points in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention, and FIG. 2B illustrates a portion of an exemplaryeyewear frame temple, such as shown in FIG. 2A, including a dockedapplication module 100 in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 2A, an eyewear frame temple portion 101 may include arecessed portion with docking pin recesses 161 corresponding to one ormore of docking pins 160. As noted previously, certain embodiments mayallow for the eyewear to detect the type of application module viaarrangement of pins/recesses or other means. Therefore, although dockingpin recesses 161 are shown corresponding to all docking pins 160, it isalso possible for there to be different numbers and arrangements ofdocking pins/recess among different application modules useable by thesame docking station.

The recess in eyewear frame temple portion 101 also includespreconfigured application connection points, in this case powerconnections 111, audio connections 121, audio ground 131, microphoneground 141, and video 151. As noted previously, certain embodiments mayallow for different application modules to use only a subset of theconnection points included in the docking station of the frame.Therefore, although the connection points in FIG. 2A are showncorresponding to all connection points in module 100, it is alsopossible for there to be different numbers and arrangements ofconnection points among different application modules useable by thesame docking station.

The preconfigured application connection points included in the recessin eyewear frame temple portion 101 may be configured to directlyconnect to one or more preconfigured application connection points ofthe application module when the application module, and/or may beconfigured to attach to a universal connector cable. The embodimentshown in FIG. 2B represents a possible “direct connect” configuration.

For clarity the eyewear's docking station is capable of receiving one ormore application modules specifically designed to be received by saiddocking station. In certain cases these application modules may comprisetheir own electrical power required to operate independently of theeyewear's docking station and in other cases one or more of theseapplication modules will not operate properly when not docked within theeyewear's docking means. It should be pointed out that the inventivedocking station disclosed herein is associated and located with theinventive eyewear itself and is not intended to be a docking stationwhich the eyewear itself could be docked to down load information, data,or photos to by way of example only, to that of a computer, or to becomerecharged, or to have the eyewear's software upgraded from a dockingstation to which the eyewear is docked.

Further, in most cases each application modules has either a similar oridentical docking means that fits and provides one or more of theappropriate connectivity (electrical, audio, video, memory) within theeyewear's docking station. However, in certain other cases the dockingmeans located on or near the end of the application device can be of adifferent design but will still allow for docking and connecting withinthe eyewear's docking station.

For clarity the term “docking means” as used herein is that of thearchitecture/engineering design which allows for the application modulesto be attached/connected to the docking station. The “docking station”is the station which receives the docking means of an applicationdevice.

As shown in FIG. 2B, an application module 100 may be mounted to eyewearframe temple portion 101 in the recessed portion with one or moredocking pins 160 inserted in docking pin recesses 161. In this case, theapplication connection points included in the recess, such as powerconnections 111, are configured to directly connect to the applicationconnection points (not shown) of the application module 100 when theapplication module is docked.

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of an exemplary frame including earbuds anddocked application modules connected to connection points of the framein accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As shown in FIG.3, an eyewear system may be provided including an eyewear frameincluding lens holder 220, and left and right temple portions. Each ofthe left and right temple portions include a docking station 210, 211,and a docked application module 226, 236, respectively, adapted to bemounted to the docking station. In this embodiment, each of the left andright temple portions also includes an electronic connector 225, 235,respectively, including a first set of preconfigured applicationconnection points and associated conductive paths, configured to connectapplication connection points of the modules to the eyewear, or morespecifically to application connection points of electronics included inthe eyewear temple portions.

The electronic connectors 225, 235 may be referred to as intermediateelectrical contacts, and can include, for example, plug-and-receptacleelectrical contacts. In some embodiments, the intermediate electricalcontact is located at one of: a rim of the eyewear, the rear ⅓ of thetemple, the middle of the temple, the forward ⅓ of the temple, the rimlock or hinge, of the eyewear, a surface of an eyewear functionalmember, a frame front of the eyewear, an electronic display, anelectronic controller, and/or between the rim and the lens of theeyewear.

FIG. 3 shows an example of how electronic connectors 225, 235 can beconnected at one end to the application modules, and at the other end toelectronics modules 224, 234 of the eyewear frame. Electronics modules224, 234 may take many forms as discussed herein, and, like theapplication modules may include, for example, one or more of audioplayback, audio recording, acoustic amplification, acoustic canceling,hearing aid, video playback, video recording, photography, falldetection, alertness monitoring, pedometer, geo-location, pulsedetector, wireless communication, virtual reality, augmented reality,gaming, eye tracking, pupil monitoring, lens control, automatedreminder, lighting, lasing, and alarm. Preferably, more robustprocessing may be included in electronics modules of the frame, therebyreducing the size and/or data or power requirements of the dockedapplication module. Electronics modules 224, 234, or other functionaldevices included in the eyewear, such as electronic lenses, cameras,displays, microphones, speakers, etc., may be referred to as functionalmember(s) of the eyewear.

The application modules 226, 236 and/or electronics modules 224, 234 mayinclude one or more of still photo camera, video camera, digital audioplayer, display, projector, hearing aid, fall detector, alertnessmonitor, pedometer, pulse detector, cell phone, audio system,communication system, video system, music system, audio system, CO2detector, poor air quality alert device, bad breath detector,thermometer, refractive error measurement device, GPS system, virtualreality system, augmented reality system, gaming system, eye trackingdevice, pupil monitor device, sensor, smoke detector, pill reminder,medication reminder, speaker, light, laser.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame such as shown in FIG. 3 may include alens, and the electronic module(s) 224, 234 and/or application module(s)226, 236 may be configured to at least partially control the lens. Forexample, the lens may be an electro-active lens and one or more of themodules may be configured to control a focus, tint or other change ofthe lens based on sensed conditions (such as lighting) and/or usercommands. In other embodiments, the lens may have built in displayfunctions that can be controlled by one or more of the modules, such aswith virtual or augmented reality, or gaming.

In embodiments, the eyewear lens may be one of a dynamic focusing lens,static focusing lens, tinted lens, photochromic lens, electrochromiclens, thermochromic lens, or display.

In embodiments, the eyewear frame may include a speaker, such as earbuds229, 239, and one or more of the modules may be configured to provide anaudio signal to the speaker(s) via audio connectors 228, 238. In certainembodiments, each of application modules 226, 236 may be configured toindependently provide audio, lens adjustment, video, etc. to therespective speaker, lens etc. associated with that side of the frame.For example, individually tailored hearing aid functions, prescriptionadjustment or augmented reality may be independently provided. Inembodiments, the customization provided may be improved, at least inpart, by independent programming included in electronics modules 224,234, e.g. different hearing adjustment, or visual correction, whileusing a standard, functionally equivalent, application module 226, 236.

In embodiments where the eyewear frame includes at least one of aspeaker and a lens, the electronic device may be configured to provideat least one of virtual reality and augmented reality to a user via thespeaker and/or lens.

The frame shown in FIG. 3 also includes power sources 222, 232 in eachof the temple portions. The power sources 222, 232 may be connected toapplication modules 226, 236 to provide operating and/or rechargeablepower. However, it should be noted that a single power source may beused to power the one or more application modules etc. The powersource(s) may include, for example, one or more of a rechargeablebattery, disposable battery, fuel cell, solar cell, or kinetic energysource whereby movement of the eyewear generates power.

As noted previously, the docking station and/or application module maybe configured to convert the application module from a non-functioningapplication module into that of a functioning application module uponbeing docked to said docking station. For example, the applicationmodules 226, 236 may be configured such that they are dependent on oneor more of power, sensor input, audio input and/or video input from theeyewear frame, or other source, in order to function.

In embodiments, the application modules 226, 236 may be utilized morethan one at a time while the eyewear is being worn by a wearer and/ormay include different functionality.

In embodiments, the eyewear such as shown in FIG. 3 may further includea controller, such as included in electronics modules 224, 234,configured to be connected to the application modules 226, 236, and toprovide command signals and/or programming to the application modules226, 236.

In some embodiments, the eyewear frame can include a temple and arimlock. In those embodiments, a functional member of the eyewear can belocated in the temple, and a connective element can be routed from theapplication module through the rimlock to the optical functional member.In some embodiments, the rimlock includes an upper rimlock and a lowerrimlock, and the connective element is routed between the upper rimlockand the lower rimlock. The rimlock can include upper rimlock and a lowerrimlock, and the connective element can form a layer between the upperrimlock and the lower rimlock. The layer can be insulating. In someembodiments, the connective element can be a conductive compressiblemember that can be conductive rubber. In some embodiments, theconnective element comprises a multi-conductor cable.

The eyewear of FIG. 3 may include electro-active spectacles oreyeglasses in accordance with an aspect of the present technology. Thus,the spectacles shown in FIG. 3 may be eyeglasses comprising left andright temples and a frame front (the frame front can comprise left andright eyewires or rims, and a bridge, as will be appreciated by oneskilled in the pertinent art). Electro-active spectacles and frames ofthe present technology can be fully rimmed, partially rimmed, orrimless. The spectacles can include a first electro-active lens, and asecond electro-active lens. The first and second electro-active lensescan each be an electro-active lens such as described, for example, inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/408,973 (hereinafter the '973application), filed Mar. 23, 2009, entitled “Electro-Active DiffractiveLens and Method for Making the Same,” which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. In general, the first and secondelectro-active lenses can be any lens or optic capable of changing,varying or tuning the optical power they each provide with theapplication of electricity.

The right temple portion can be considered to be a first temple portionthat is positioned adjacent to the first electro-active lens. The lefttemple portion can be considered to be a second temple portion that ispositioned adjacent to the second electro-active lens. The bridge can beconsidered to be part of the frame or to be a separate portion of thespectacles that connects, joins or supports the first and secondelectro-active lenses. The spectacles can include one or more powersources, e.g. 222, 232 or others, for powering the first and secondelectro-active lenses. As an example, each power source can include oneor more batteries (e.g., conventional rechargeable batteries and/orsolar batteries). The spectacles can also include electronics, such asin electronics modules 224, 234, or included in the application modules226, 236, that can govern operation of the electro-active lenses. Theelectronics can comprise one or more control units (e.g., a control unitmatched to each electro-active lens) to determine when to activate andwhen to deactivate the electro-active lenses. The one or more powersources and the electronics of the spectacles can be housed or containedwithin, or on, any portion of the frame or included in the applicationmodules 226, 236. The one or more power sources and the one or morecontrol units of the spectacles can be grouped together or distributedor dispersed in any manner within, throughout, or on the frame orincluded in the application modules 226, 236.

The operation of the electro-active lenses can be synchronized (even ifindependently programmed). That is, the one or more control units housedin the frame or included in the application modules 226, 236, cancoordinate the activation and deactivation of the electro-active lensessuch that the electro-active lenses are activated or deactivated atsubstantially the same time.

The one or more control units housed in the frame or included in theapplication modules 226, 236, can automatically operate (e.g., activateand deactivate) the electro-active lenses 104 and 106. As an example,the electro-active lenses 104 and 106 can be activated or deactivatedbased on a user's head tilt as sensed by the one or more control units.The one or more control units can also enable a user to interact withthe electro-active lenses 102 and 104. As an example, a user canmanually activate or deactivate the electro-active lenses 104 and 106,override automatic operation of the electro-active lenses 104 and 106,place the electro-active spectacles 100 into a standby mode (in whichthe electro-active lenses 104 and 106 are neither automatically ormanually activated or deactivated), or power off the electro-activespectacles 100.

The electronics of the electro-active spectacles can include aprocessor, memory, a power source (e.g., a battery), a gyroscope, and anaccelerometer. As previously mentioned, these components can be groupedtogether or can be distributed within different portions of the frame orincluded in the application modules 226, 236. As an example, all or aportion of these components can be grouped together to form aself-contained electronic module. The electro-active spectacles cancomprise a single electronic module that governs synchronized operationof both the first and second electro-active lenses. Alternatively,operation of the first electro-active lens can be governed by a firstelectronic module and operation of the second electro-active lens can begoverned by a second electronic module. Under this scenario, the firstand second electronic modules may be configured to communicate using oneor modes of electrical connectivity (e.g., wire(s) embedded within aportion of the frame, conductive portion(s) of the frame, conductivemetal layer(s) or core(s) encapsulated by non-conductive material,conductive layer(s) of the electro-active lens(es), optical link(s),wireless radio frequency or magnetic field communication).

It is noted that, in some cases, only one docking station may beprovided with the eyewear, whereas in other embodiments multiple dockingstations may be provided. In one preferred embodiment of the inventionone temple may be utilized for housing an electronic module whichcontrols or alters the optics and/or tint of the eyewear's lenses and adocking station is located on, partially in, or fully embedded in theother temple. In another preferred embodiment of the invention onetemple is utilized for housing an electronic module which controls oralters the optics and/or tint of the eyewear's lenses, and a dockingstation is located on, partially, in or fully embedded within the othertemple. In yet another embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 3, two dockingstations are provided such that, by way of example only, one can belocated with the right temple and one located with the left temple. Byway of example only, one example of such eyewear utilizing two dockingstations is the use of two cameras; one located in each docking stationfor the purposes of providing 3D photos, or video. In certain cases whentwo cameras are utilized a prism lens or lenses may associated such tospread out the horizontal distance angle of the object which the cameraare taking a picture of Another example would be the use of two dockingstations, one on each temple to provide attachable, detachable hearingaids. And still another example only, would be the use of two dockingstations to provide attachable, detachable speakers which could then beadjusted to be positioned in or near each of the wearer's ears. Thespeakers can be those of earbuds and can be spring loaded retractableand/or extendable.

The inventive docking means allows for one or two hearing aids to beused by the wearer. In certain embodiments one hearing aid applicationdevice module drives two earbuds or speakers (one in each end of thetemple). In another embodiment two hearing aid application devicemodules each drive one earbud or speaker. Thus both are provided for thewearer but each earbud or speaker is driven by one hear aid applicationdevice module.

FIG. 4 illustrates a temple portion of a frame including a dockingstation in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4may be understood as illustrating a side view of a left temple portionwith a hinge portion 208, with some similar features to that depicted inFIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the temple portion can comprise a dockingstation 210, a cover 202 for covering internal electronic components ofthe temple portion (e.g. the electronics module 224, power source 222and/or preconfigured connection points as described herein. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, an access door 206 for accessing thepreconfigured connection points is closed.

FIG. 5 illustrates the temple portion shown in FIG. 4, with the accessdoor 206 opened. In this view, the access door 206 is opened foraccessing the preconfigured connection points 214 such that theuniversal connector cable may be attached to the electronics module ofthe eyewear, or such that a properly configured application module maybe directly connected to the preconfigured connection points.

FIG. 6 is a partial cut away view illustrating a temple portion of aframe including a docked application module docked to docking station210 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, an application module may be docked to docking station 210, andconnected to connector 225 with cover 202 at least partially opened. Theinternal electronics module 224, power source 222 are also shown. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, the temple portion 200 also includesretractable earbud speaker 229 with a spring loaded connector 227 andaudio path 228.

FIG. 7 illustrates a right temple portion 201 of a frame including adocking station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.FIG. 7 may be understood as illustrating a side view of an oppositetemple portion from that shown in FIG. 4, with a hinge portion 209. Asshown in FIG. 7, the right temple portion can comprise a docking station211, a cover 203 for covering internal electronic components of theright temple portion (e.g. the electronics module 234, power source 232and/or preconfigured connection points as described herein. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, an access door 207 for accessing thepreconfigured connection points is closed.

FIG. 8 is a partial cut away view illustrating a temple portion of aframe including a docked application module docked to docking station211 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8, an application module may be docked to docking station 211, andconnected to connector 235 with cover 207 at least partially opened. Theinternal electronics module 234, power source 232 are also shown. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8, the temple portion 201 also includesretractable earbud speaker 239 with a spring loaded connector 237 andaudio path 238.

It should be noted that the temple portions illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 maybe configured to partially or fully receive the application module, orto mount the application module without receiving any portion of theapplication module. In embodiments, where the application module isfully received in the temple portion, it may be covered by a slidablecover such as 202.

As described above, the electronic module of the frame such as 224, 234,can include various electronics components. The electronic module 224,234 can be positioned near the front temple of the frame. The electronicmodule 224, 234 can be positioned within the frame (e.g., in an area orcavity of the frame) and can be removable and replaceable.Alternatively, the electronic module 224, 234 can be built into theframe and form a part of the frame. The electronic module 224, 234 canbe located on an outer portion of a temple of the frame (further from awearer) or can be located on an inner portion of the temple of the frame(closer to the wearer). The electronic module can be positioned on aleft temple or a right temple of the frame (i.e., on either side of theframe). The electronic module 224, 234, when inserted into the temple ofthe frame, can be flush with the other portions of the frame. All or aportion of the electronic components used to operate electro-activelenses or other eyewear functional members can be contained within theelectronic module.

In some embodiments of the present technology, a first electricalconnection (e.g., comprising one or more conductive links or wires) canbe used to provide connectivity between one or more power sources ofspectacles and one or more electronic modules and a second electricalconnection (e.g., comprising one or more conductive links or wires) canbe used to provide connectivity between one or more electronic modulesand one or more electro-active lenses (e.g., electro-active lenses). Forexample, a battery positioned within the frame can be coupled to anelectronic module also positioned within the frame using a firstconductive link. A second, distinct conductive link (e.g., electricallyisolated from the first conductive link) can be used to couple theelectronic module to the electro-active lenses.

FIG. 9 illustrates a right temple portion 501 of a frame including atrack docking station 511 in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 9 may be understood as illustrating a side view of atemple portion, with a hinge portion 509. As shown in FIG. 9, the righttemple portion can comprise a track docking station 511, with a releasemechanism 505 for releasing a docked application module (not shown)and/or adjusting a cover over the track. In the embodiment shown in FIG.9, the preconfigured connection points may be included inside themounting track and a plurality of application modules may be mounted toand/or adjusted along the track. All or part of the track may be coveredby a moveable cover via actuation of the release mechanism 505.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left temple portion 500 of a frame including atrack docking station 510 in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 10 may be understood as illustrating a side view of atemple portion, with a hinge portion 508. As shown in FIG. 10, the lefttemple portion can comprise a track docking station 510, with a releasemechanism 504 for releasing a docked application module (not shown). Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the preconfigured connection points maybe included inside the mounting track 502 and a plurality of applicationmodules may be mounted to and/or adjusted along the track.

FIG. 11 illustrates a right temple portion 601 of a frame including adocking station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.FIG. 11 may be understood as illustrating a side view of a right templeportion, with a hinge portion 609. As shown in FIG. 11, the right templeportion can comprise a docked application module 636, electronics module634, power source 632 and/or preconfigured connection points asdescribed herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, supplemental powersource 639, which may be removable, is also included at an end of thetemple portion and connected to the eyewear electronics via conductor638. In embodiments, the supplemental power source 639 may be, instead amemory, or other supplemental device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a left temple portion of a frame including a dockedcamera 826. Camera 826 may be configured for capturing still images orvideo, or may simply provide an optical path, e.g. fiber optics, forcamera circuitry included in the frame. Camera 826 may include amicrophone as well for audio recording. As shown in FIG. 12, the templeportion can comprise a docked camera 826, electronics module 824, powersource 822 and/or preconfigured connection points as described herein.It should be appreciated that a similar right temple portion may also beprovided for stereoscope imaging.

FIG. 13 is a top-down view of an exemplary frame including earbuds and asingle docked application module connected to connection points of theframe in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 13, an eyewear system may be provided including an eyewear frameincluding lens holder 241, and left and right temple portions. Righttemple portion include a docking station 211, and a docked applicationmodule 240, adapted to be mounted to the docking station. In thisembodiment, the right temple portions includes an electronic connector235, including a first set of preconfigured application connectionpoints and associated conductive paths, configured to connectapplication connection points of the module to the eyewear, or morespecifically to application connection points of electronics 234included in the eyewear temple portion. In this embodiment, a connector242 is also included for simultaneous control of left temple functionalmembers by the application module 240, e.g. electronics 224, or speaker229 via audio connection 228, while controlling right temple functionsvia electronics 234, speaker 239 via audio connection 238. Applicationmodule 240 may be powered by either or both of power sources 222, 232.

As further shown in FIG. 13, the frame can include conductive leads 228and 238 and conductive link 242. Conductive link 242 can provideelectrical connectivity from one side of the frame to the other side ofthe frame. The conductive link 242 can be embedded or positioned withinthe frame. The conductive link 242 can include any number of conductiveelements (e.g., wires) that can be insulated or not insulated. If theframe uses driver electronics on each side of the frame (e.g., a masterand slave driver electronics or electronic modules) then as few as onlyone single wire can comprise the conductive link). If the frame hasdriver electronics on only one side of the frame, then at least twowires or conductive elements can be used. The conductive link can bepositioned inside the frame in accordance with any suitable methods forembedding conductive links including, but not limited to, (1) embeddingduring a mold casting process; (2) embedding during an assembly processof the front frame portion of the frames; and (3) embedding afterassembly of the frames by providing a groove or route for the conductivelink. The conductive link can also use or can alternatively comprise theconductive layers of the lenses of the present technology that can bepositioned into the frames.

The docking station can comprise a wireless communication component,such as a Bluetooth chip or circuit, such to enable wirelesscommunication between the docked application device module (applicationmodule) and a remotely located device, such as by way of example only,cell phone, smart phone, computer, automobile, iPad, tablet, watch,television, security system, radio. The application module which isdocked within the docking station can comprise a wireless chip ofcircuit such to enable wireless communication between the dockedapplication device module (application module) and a remotely locateddevice, such as by way of example only, cell phone, smart phone,computer, automobile, iPad, tablet, watch, television, security system,radio. When the application device (application module) comprises thewireless chip or circuit it is not necessary that the docking stationcomprise such a chip or circuit. Various wireless means are well knownand understood in the communication art. Bluetooth 4.0 is low power witha communication range of 30 feet or less. In the invention, Bluetooth4.0 has been shown to be highly effective allowing either wirelesscommunication from the docking station to a remote Bluetooth enableddevice or from the application device module to a Bluetooth enableddevice. While the invention disclosure teaches Bluetooth 4.0 it shouldbe understood that this invention disclosure anticipates new evolvingBluetooth versions that will come in the future and is not intended tobe limited to Bluetooth 4.0 or for that matter Bluetooth. Any and allwireless communication protocol (including by way of example only, RFID)is meant to be included within the scope of the patent application andcan be included within the application device module (which can bedocked within the docking station), within the docking station, (one ofthe other or both).

In one embodiment of the invention the wearer of the wireless enabledeyewear comprising either the wireless chip or circuit being comprisedwithin the docking station or the application device module docked inthe docking station walks into (by way of example only, his or her homeafter being at work all day) and the remote wireless enabled deviceslocated within his or her home communicate and recognize the presence ofthe wearer. Upon such recognition the remote wireless enabled deviceslocated with the home can do one or more of the following: adjust thelight, temperature, audio devices, video devices to that of the wearer'spredetermined desires upon the entry of the wearer into his or her home.In another embodiment of the invention the wearer of the wirelessenabled eyewear enters his or her automobile and the remote wirelessenabled devices located within the automobile can (by way of exampleonly) do one or more of the following: adjust the seat, radio,temperature, limit maximum speed, awake wearer should wearer fallasleep. In another embodiment of the invention the wearer of thewireless enabled eyewear enters his or her password, turns on his or hercomputer and the remote wireless enabled devices located within thecomputer can (by way of example only) do one or more of the following:adjust the brightness, volume, font size, access email. In still anotherembodiment of the invention one application device module docked withinthe docking station comprising a wireless chip or circuit communicateswirelessly with another application device module comprising a wirelesschip or circuit such that a function of the eyewear can be wirelesslyenabled. By way of example only, one hearing aid located on the righttemple of the eyewear communicated with a hearing aid located on theleft temple of the eyewear.

For clarity it is important to point out that the invention disclosedherein allows for the application module to not only communicatewirelessly with a remote wireless enabled device, but also at the sametime provide the desired functionality for the wearer by way of theapplication device module which is docked within the docking station. Byway of example only, an application module being that of a wirelessenabled personal assistant module docked within the docking station ofthe inventive eyewear (upon a verbal question raised orally by thewearer of the inventive eyewear about the weather) by way of a miniaturemicrophone, voice recognition chip contained within the personalassistant device module and also a wireless chip or circuit alsocontained within the personal assistant device module could communicateto the wearer's wireless enabled computer or smart phone to address anynumber of questions of the wearer. By way of example only, to look upthe weather on the internet wirelessly and then answer the questionabout the weather through the speakers or ear buds located within theinventive eyewear. In this case certain of electrical power and audioare provided by the inventive eyewear located within the electronicmodule or somewhere else in the inventive eyewear, while the applicationdevice module being that of a personal assistant provides for itsspecialized functionality,

In certain other cases/embodiments all functionality (includingelectrical power, audio, voice recognition, Bluetooth capability) isprovided by the application device module. Needless to say the diversityof various question such a personal assistant can address are almostlimitless. In addition, the wireless enabled personal assistant devicemodule docked within the docking station of the inventive eyewear can beused to provide direction by the wearer of the eyeglasses such that thewearer provides an oral command and the wireless enabled personalassistant communicates wirelessly to a remote wireless enabled device toperform a function; such as by way of example only; change a TV station,radio station, increase the temperature of a room, turn on the car, turnup or down a light, alter the tint of the inventive eyewear, alter thefocus of the inventive eyewear. Finally, the invention (in certainembodiments) further contemplates that the wireless enabled personalassistant device module may require the wearer to orally enter asecurity code of some kind before the personal assistant device modulewill function properly for certain tasks or for all tasks.

FIG. 14 provides a high level illustrative rendering of a Bluetoothenabled application device module 1010 docked within the inventiveeyewear docking station 1020 communicating wirelessly with a remoteBluetooth enabled device 1030 hereby the Bluetooth enabled applicationdevice module 1010 communicates to a remote Bluetooth enabled device1030 and whereby the remote Bluetooth enabled device 1030 communicatesback to the Bluetooth enabled application device module 1010. Inaddition, it shows that the docking station 1020 provides one or more ofaudio 1023, video 1024, data 1022, memory 1025, electrical power 1021 tothe application device module 1010 that is docked in the docking station1020. FIG. 14 provides a high level illustrative rendering of aBluetooth enabled application device module docked within the inventiveeyewear docking station communicating wirelessly with a remote Bluetoothenabled device whereby the Bluetooth enabled application device modulecommunicates to a remote Bluetooth enabled device giving directing it todo something. In addition, it shows that the docking station providesone or more of audio, video, data, memory, electrical power to-theapplication device module that is docked in the docking station.

FIG. 15 illustrates additional details regarding an exemplary acousticprocessor that may be included in embodiments of the invention. In FIG.15, Block 902 represents sensors including an acoustic wave sensor. Oneor more acoustic wave sensors are attached to or embedded in the severallocations of the frame, left and right temples in order to collectacoustic signals from different directions. The sensor(s) can convertsthe acoustic signal from environment into a digital or analogue datasignal which can be processed by an electronic processing unit 903.Multiple acoustic sensors can collect more environment sound informationfrom different distances and directions, and allow the electronicprocessing unit to improve the quality of the sound heard by user. Thesesensors can be placed in different locations in the front of theeyeglass frame near the temples and nose-bridge.

The said digital or analogue data signals may be sent to the electronicprocessing unit 903 through conductive wires which can be attached to orembedded in the frame and/or temple. The conductive wires can also bethe parts of the frame and/or temples. These wires can provide drivesignals to the speakers or earbuds or to the lenses. Signals can beseparated by high pass filters, low pass filters, or a combinationthereof.

A power source as described herein may also be included for providingpower to the electronic processing unit 903.

One or two earphones 904 can be attached or embedded to the one or botheyeglass temples. The electronic processing unit will process the saiddigital or analogue signals and generate filtered, amplified analogsignals which will be sent to earphone(s) 904. Two earphones can providestereo sound to user.

The conductive wire(s) can be shared by multiple electronic signals,such as lens drive signals, the digital or analogue signal from thesensors, and output signals from the electronic processing unit to theearphones, after those signals will coded or modulated in space orfrequency domain. Said signals may be separated by various filter meansto make sure acoustic signals do not affect the electro-active lensesand that drive singles to the electro-active lenses do not affect theearphones.

The electronic processing unit 903 and power source can be enclosed inone or two application modules as described herein. The electronicprocessing unit 903 enclosed in the application module, or electronicsmodule of the frame, can be programmed in order to adjust the soundquality and meet the different demands from different customers.

The inventive eyewear can also, by way of example only, comprise one ormore of a vibrating means, energy or power source, microphone, speaker,sensor, docking station, memory down load mean, memory up load means,memory storage means, microprocessor, light or lights.

The eyewear can comprise a power source which can be, by way of example,one of a rechargeable battery, disposable battery, fuel cell, solarcell, kinetic energy source. The eyewear can comprise an electronicmodule which is integrated into the eyewear or temple such that theelectronic module can comprise one or more of memory storage, electricalpower, sensor, microprocessor. The electronic module can be connected tothe universal cable which is illustrated in the attached.

The term application module as used herein to be any device when addedto the inventive eyewear that provides one of an improvement, pleasure,or a benefit to or for a wearer of the eyewear.

The securing means of the inventive eyewear can be that of a strap, atemple, or temples that secure the eyewear to the head of the wearer.The inventive eyewear can be, by way of example only, one of goggles,dress eyeglasses, occupational eyeglasses, shooting eyeglasses, safetyeyeglasses, sunglasses. The eyeglasses can comprise any prescriptionoptical power lens including a plano optical power. The lenses can be oftoday's conventional static focus optics or newer optics having theability to dynamically change focus such as by way of example only,electronic, fluid, mechanical, membrane or of a conventional staticfocus (meaning after fabrication the lens cannot alter its opticalpower). The sunglasses can be those of any tint such as, by way ofexample only, photochromic, electro-chromic and solid fixed tints.

The inventive docking system disclosed herein, (of the inventive eyewearalso disclosed herein), can be integral with said eyewear, attached tosaid eyewear, partially or fully housed within said eyewear. The dockingstation can be located to the inside back of the frame or eyewear front,the outside of one of the temples or the inside of one of the temples.The docking station acts to secure a plurality of different applicationdevices (one at a time or more than one at a time) to the eyewear and insome, but not all, cases provides one or more of electrical power,additional electrical power, memory down load capability, and memoryupload capability. The eyewear's docking station provides the abilityfor one, two, three or more application devices to be dockedsimultaneously so as to provide the wearer with an optimal and mostefficient hands free experience while wearing his or her inventiveeyewear. The docking station is located such that when an applicationdevice module (which comprises a docking means) is docked a universalcable comprising audio, video, power and a microphone (mic) can beeasily attached or connected to the application device module. Theuniversal cable may be housed within the temple and attached directly orindirectly to one or more of a memory storage means, power means, sensorand microprocessor.

It should also be understood in certain embodiments the inventivedocking station only comprises a means for physically securingapplication devices to the eye wear and enabling the routing ofelectrical power and information signals between said devices. Incertain embodiments the docking station itself does not comprise anyprinted circuit boards that possess analog or digital circuitry. Inother embodiments the inventive docking station comprises printedcircuit boards possessing analog or digital circuitry. In still otherembodiments of the invention the docking station is capable of docking aplurality of different application devices (either one at a time orsimultaneously), whereby each application device comprises its owncircuitry and logic such to control one of memory, power, an audiospeaker, audio playback, or video playback, which is contained withinthe eyeglass frame. Certain of the illustrations which are incorporatedare meant to show (but not labeled as such) this memory, power means,data, audio, video being incorporated within the electronic modulehoused within the temple. However, any one, a combination thereof or allof these features can be located anywhere within the eyewear or frame.

In some embodiments of the present technology, a water repellentmaterial can be used to inhibit moisture and liquids from filling spacesbetween components of electro-active eyewear such as rimlock components.Electrically-insulating greases, such Dow Corning® 111 valve lubricantand sealant, can be useful in this regard. Electrically-insulatinggrease can be applied while the frame is being assembled. A syringeequipped with a soft plastic tip can be used for application.

According to an aspect of the present technology, one or more conductivewires can be embedded in the upper rim members, the bridge and/or thelower rim members of electro-active spectacles and frames of the presenttechnology during a mold casting process. That is, when the upper rimmembers, the bridge and/or the lower rim members are formed using acasting process, one or more conductive wires can be cast over when theupper rim members, the bridge and/or the lower rim members are prepared.Generally, thicker conductive wires can be used during such a process.Nylon is an example material that can be used to mold over one or moreconductive wires to from the upper rim members, the bridge and/or thelower rim members.

According to an aspect of the present technology, one or more conductivewires can be embedded in the upper rim members, the bridge and/or thelower rim members of electro-active spectacles and frames of the presenttechnology as each frame component is assembled. More specifically, anyof the upper rim members, the bridge and/or the lower rim members thatwill be used to embed one or more conductive wires can be fabricated bytwo or more individual or separate pieces. For example, the upper rimmembers can be formed from two substantially symmetrical pieces ofsubstantially the same shape—a front piece and a back piece whichindividually may appear to be a portion of the upper rim member split inhalf lengthwise. Prior to assembling the front and back pieces to form acomplete upper rim member, one or more wires can be embedded (e.g., in agroove formed by mold or machined into the front and/or back pieces)between the front and back pieces (i.e., at the interface between thefront and back pieces). The front and back pieces used to form thecomplete upper rim member can subsequently be combined, for example,using an adhesive.

According to an aspect of the present technology, one or more conductivewires can be embedded in the upper rim members, the bridge and/or thelower rim members of electro-active spectacles and frames of the presenttechnology after the frame is assembled. Specifically, one or moregrooves can be machined into the upper rim members, the bridge and/orthe lower rim members that can be used to contain one or more conductivewires. The machined grooves can then be filled or covered with materialto cosmetically hide the conductive wires. The assembled frame can thenbe polished to hide or mask the area in which the wires are embedded.Acetate is an example material that can be manipulated in this fashionto embed one or more conductive wires.

In some embodiments, connections can be made from conductivecompressible members. Conductive compressible members can includeconductive rubber and metal rubber. Metal rubber is a name forconductive plastic polymers with metal ions, it is a self-assemblingnano-composite, and is flexible and durable across a broad range ofpressures, temperatures, tensions, exposure to chemicals. It retains itsproperties upon being returned to a ground state. It can carry data andelectrical power.

In some embodiments, the conductive cable itself can be an insulatingelement.

While various embodiments of the present technology have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample and not limitation. Any conductive element described above(e.g., the upper or lower portions of the frame) can be entirelyconductive (and possibly coated with non-conductive material) or cancontain an embedded or buried conductive element (e.g., a conductivecore) and a non-conductive outer or surrounding layer. Further, anyconductive link—e.g., described or referred to as an electrical wire orconnection—could alternatively, or in addition thereto, be or include anoptical conductive link as will be apparent to one skilled in thepertinent art. The exemplary techniques for coupling or connecting theelectrical elements of the electro-active spectacles of the presenttechnology (e.g., the controlling electronics and power supplies andelectro-active lenses) using embedded conductive links can be used toembed one or more conductive optical links (e.g., one or more opticalfibers) as will be apparent to one skilled in the pertinent art.

These applications can be that of, by way of example only, by way ofexample only, electronic focusing eyeglasses, electro-active eyeglasses,fluid lenses being activated by way of an electronic actuator,mechanical or membrane lenses being activated by way of electronics,electro-chromic lenses, electronic fast tint changing liquid crystallenses, lenses whose tint can be altered electronically, lenses that byway of an electrical charge can resist or reduce the attraction of dustparticles, lenses or eyeglass frames housing or having an electronicdisplay affixed thereto, electronic eyewear providing virtual reality,electronic eyewear providing 3-D capabilities, electronic eyewearproviding gaming, and electronic eyewear providing augmented reality.

Although many embodiments were described above as comprising differentfeatures and/or combination of features, a person of ordinary skill inthe art after reading this disclosure may understand that in someinstances, one or more of these components could be combined with any ofthe components or features described above. That is, one or morefeatures from any embodiment can be combined with one or more featuresof any other embodiment without departing from the scope of theinvention.

As noted previously, all measurements, dimensions, and materialsprovided herein within the specification or within the figures are byway of example only.

A recitation of “a,” “an,” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

As used herein, reference to a “first” or a “second” does not limit thereferenced component to a particular location unless expressly stated.For instance, reference to a “first temple” may comprise the templelocated on either the left side or the right side of a wearer's head.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein areprovided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of thepresent application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admissionthat the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publicationby virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication providedmay be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to beindependently confirmed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Eyewear comprising: an eyewear frame having a first temple and a second temple; a speaker coupled to the eyewear frame; and an application module mechanically coupled to the eyewear frame and operably coupled to the speaker, the application module comprising: a microphone to receive a verbal query from a wearer of the eyewear; and a Bluetooth chip, operably coupled to the microphone and the speaker, to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled external device, to transmit the verbal query to the Bluetooth-enabled external device, to receive a response to the verbal query from the Bluetooth-enabled external device, and to provide the response to the wearer via the speaker, wherein the verbal query causes the Bluetooth-enabled external device to obtain the response to the verbal query via the Internet by searching the Internet for the response to the verbal query.
 2. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth-enabled external device is configured to control an external audio device based at least in part on an instruction from the wearer.
 3. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth-enabled external device is configured to control an external video device based at least in part on an instruction from the wearer.
 4. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth-enabled external device is configured to control light and/or temperature in an environment of the wearer based at least in part on preferences of the wearer.
 5. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the application module further comprises: a voice recognition chip operably coupled to the microphone and the Bluetooth chip.
 6. A method comprising: receiving, by a microphone mechanically coupled to an eyewear frame, a verbal query from a person wearing the eyewear frame; transmitting, by a wireless chip mechanically coupled to the eyewear frame and operably coupled to the microphone, the verbal query to an external device, the verbal query causing the external device to search the internet for a response to the verbal query; receiving, by the wireless chip, the response to the verbal query from the external device; and providing the response to the verbal query to the person wearing the eyewear frame via a speaker operably coupled to the wireless chip.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the verbal query is a query about weather and the response to the verbal query includes information about the weather.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the wireless chip is a Bluetooth wireless chip, and further comprising: pairing the Bluetooth wireless chip with the external device before transmitting the verbal query to the external device.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: controlling light in an environment of the person wearing the eyewear frame based at least in part on preferences of the person wearing the eyewear frame.
 10. The method of claim 6, further comprising: controlling a temperature of an environment of the person wearing the eyewear frame based at least in part on preferences of the person wearing the eyewear frame.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the external device is at least one of a cell phone, a smart phone, a computer, an iPad, and/or a tablet.
 12. Eyewear comprising: an eyewear frame having a first temple and a second temple; and an application module mechanically coupled to the eyewear frame and operably coupled to a speaker, the application module comprising: a microphone to receive a verbal query from a wearer of the eyewear; and a processor, operably coupled to the microphone and the speaker, to transmit the verbal query to an external device, receive a response to the verbal query from the external device, and provide the response to the wearer via the speaker, wherein the verbal query causes the external device to obtain the response to the verbal query by searching the Internet for the response to the verbal query.
 13. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the external device is a smart phone.
 14. The eyewear of claim 13, wherein the application module further comprises a wireless chip, operably coupled to the processor, to wirelessly transmit the verbal query to the external device.
 15. The eyewear of claim 14, wherein the wireless chip is a Bluetooth chip.
 16. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the external device is a computer.
 17. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the verbal query includes a query about the weather.
 18. The eyewear of claim 17, wherein a response to the query includes information about the weather.
 19. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the external device is configured to control an external audio device based at least in part on an instruction from the wearer.
 20. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the external device is configured to control an external video device based at least in part on an instruction from the wearer. 